priority

noun

pri·or·i·ty | \ prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē

, -ˈär-\

plural priorities

Definition of priority

1a(1) : the quality or state of being prior

(2) : precedence in date or position of publication —used of taxa

b(1) : superiority in rank, position, or privilege

(2) : legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter

2 : a preferential rating especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply that project has top priority

3 : something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about priority

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Examples of priority in a Sentence

Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president. Getting the work done on time is a priority for me. She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities? I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.

Recent Examples on the Web

The priority for policy makers is to figure out how that can be achieved—at scale. — The Economist, "The benefits of pre-schooling may extend for generations," 11 June 2019 Homebody in Ohio Dear Homebody: Start making it a priority to get out of your parents’ house and meet new people. — Abigail Van Buren, Houston Chronicle, "Getting out is best first step for introvert seeking friends," 8 June 2019 Trump is the ancient party hack telling his comrades to knuckle down and remember that the priority is not to let the people know the truth. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "Chernobyl: Devastating Indictment of Socialism, Not Trumpism," 5 June 2019 But the offseason priority has to be to improve the team’s defensive group. — Kevin Allen, USA TODAY, "Five helpful hints for would-be NHL traders during the Stanley Cup Final," 4 June 2019 Self-care might be an overused buzzword at times, but the notion of making it a priority to take care of yourself is inarguably valid. — Suzanne Zuppello, SELF, "Women With Triple Negative Breast Cancer Share Their Tips for Taking Care of Themselves," 31 May 2019 But Gideon always makes it a priority to know who's who on her projects. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, ""The Society" Star Gideon Adlon on Why She Fell in Love with the Creepy Series," 15 May 2019 Our collective attention to conscious consumption has meant that more brands are making it a priority to produce within the U.S. (or calling attention to it if it was already being done). — Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, Marie Claire, "The Do's and Don't's of a Closet Refresh," 6 May 2019 With the task of merging two units into one, finding an architectural rhythm was the first priority. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Inside an Unconventionally Glam Family Home in Chicago’s Historic Palmolive Building," 30 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'priority.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.